Reviews

NHL 06

You won't have anyone to blame but yourself for missed shots, however, thanks to the game's new shot aiming mechanic. When you draw back your stick to unleash a slapshot, you'll notice a small target appear in the net, and you can move it around using the left analog stick. Of course, you won't have a lot of time to aim since defenders will be doing everything they can to knock to down. Still, there's nothing more satisfying than blasting a shot through an unsuspecting goalie's five hole from 30 feet away. If you don't have time to aim precisely, you can just push in a particular direction when you shoot, just like you used to do.

In addition to the standard exhibition and season modes, NHL 06 offers a number of options for those wanting a richer experience. Ever wonder if the Boston Bruins could beat Denmark's national team or a team from Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga? The World Tournament allows you to mix and match teams in one 8- or 16-team tourney. The Free For All mode has returned again, and you can now decide whether you'd like to play your buddies to a certain score or for a particular length of time. It's a great option if you just want to mess around with a few friends.

Like any modern sports game, there's a Dynasty Mode, too, which allows you to take over the day-to-day operations of your favorite team. They've added a neat wrinkle in which you can interrupt the games that you've chosen to simulate, and you'll be able to make money if you can overcome a particular challenge. You can also create your own players and put them on a team, and while there are a lot of player creation options, the team options are far too limited, especially when it comes to team logos and uniforms. Overall, though, the Dynasty Mode is accessible and and enjoyable.

Like the previous games in the series, NHL 06 looks excellent, from the player models all the way down to the ice on the rink. There are plenty of little touches that make everything more realistic than previous games, most notably the facial expressions on the players. Sure, you won't notice them unless you watch replays or the highlights that are shown between periods, but it's a nice touch. The only issue is that the controls feel a bit sluggish at first, as it takes the players a split-second to go through the motions of the animation, especially when controlling the puck. When he gets the puck, it will take your player a moment to get it under control, which means he can't instantly accelerate. It certainly won't lessen your enjoyment, but it might take some people a while to get used to it.

Despite the minor control issues, NHL 06 is still the best hockey game EA has produced in quite some time. Diehards will love the reduced emphasis on checking, while more casual fans should enjoy the new skill stick moves and the ability to place your shot wherever you please. Best of all, every rule change has made it into the game, so it's a great way for hockey fans to check out what's in store for the upcoming season. If you can't wait for the return of the fastest game on ice, NHL 06 is the perfect way to whet your appetite.